connecting tubes in series using e-Ballast

**juggler** · 27th Jul 2005, 10:32

I am able to connect two FL tubes in series using magnetic ballast as in the below diagram.

Is it possible/safe to use eBallast in place of magnetic ballast and without the starters?
If possible, how will the connection be?

Cheers!

**nleong** · 28th Jul 2005, 10:12

hi kf,

it really depends on the eballast you going to use. Some can connect in series which means, any 1 tube blow, you will have to replace that one before the ok one will light up. I know the one I'm using for my T5s are in series....

**juggler** · 28th Jul 2005, 11:17

Thanks for the input.

I intend to use Elbiru 36W eBallast to power 2 pcs of 18W FL tubes.
I used a magnetic ballast before with series starters. And I understand that if one tube blows, the other won't light up.

I am wondering if the connection can be like this? Just to make sure before I spoil the eBallast or tubes.

**nleong** · 28th Jul 2005, 12:10

eh.... there should be a circuit diagram on the elbiru eballast ma... mine have leh... yours don't have meh ?

**juggler** · 28th Jul 2005, 14:15

Have also. But they did not show how to connect to 2 tubes in series. See below.

**nleong** · 28th Jul 2005, 14:21

eh same as mine leh... think its internally wired in series... so just connect as the diagram lor... i remenber testing it with 1 tube, doesnt light up, but when i put 2 tube, both light up..... ok unless mine went kuku liao....

test it out lor.. it won't explode.... make sure you groudn the eballast hor....

**Barbarik** · 28th Jul 2005, 21:42

To be frank, double-tubes ballast can be used for on 1 tube & single-tube ballats can be used on 2 tubes. Honestly, I wont tell any one (even to my close friends) how it can be done.

We are talking about electrical items here. DO not endanger your life. Use them as what they are meant to be. Double-tube ballast must be used on 2 tubes. 36W ballast must be used on 36W tube. Simple as that. Follow the rules & you have less to worry.

In European countries, using double-tube ballast on 1 tube is common. Some even use 2 sets of single-tube ballast on 1 tube. This is what they called overdriving. Tubes used this way are subjected to more heat. Lifespan of the tubes are also shortened. But these are countries with cold temperature. Heat from the tubes is not an issue. With high quality standard of the tubes & price that is affordable to most, lifespan is seldom questioned.

For us in Singapore, the weather is not suitable for overdriving. Moreover, most of the tubes here are China-made. Are we going to take the risk doing that?

**juggler** · 29th Jul 2005, 02:36

Barbarik: Thanks for your reply.

I understand there's something called over-driving (read that in killies.com). But I am not attempting that. I already tried the connections in the diagram in the 1st posting and it has been working for years. The tubes have not burnt out yet. Basically it is a 36W magnetic ballast supplying to 2 x 18W FL tubes (adds to 36W, same). So that's not over-driving. I have noticed such connections done by even our local lighting contractors.

I was just trying to check if a solo-36W eBallast can do the same to 2 x 18W FL tubes. If it works, it means I just save on the starters. And I don't have to find a dual-18W eBallast.

Cheers!

**Barbarik** · 29th Jul 2005, 04:56

By the way, electronic ballast don't need any starters at all.

Oh yes, as mentioned by me earlier, single-tube electrocic ballast can be used on 2 tubes. Even well know inported tanks set like Ju##l are having such connections. You may give it a try. But PLEASE, do not post in this forum how it can be done. There are many people with no electrical knowledge might be attempted to try too. I do not want any mishap from happening to anyone.